Great Loop: Route, Boat Requirements and Planning Tips

What is the Great Loop?

The Great Loop is a nearly 6,000-mile network of waterways that encompasses the eastern United States. Connecting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), the Gulf, inland rivers, the Great Lakes, and Canadian canals, the Great Loop is the adventure of a lifetime for boaters.

With such a diverse landscape, every boater’s journey looks different. From the launch point and boat to the timeline and destinations, each path has its merit.

• The Accelerated Route – Some boaters aim for an ambitious pace, completing the loop in as little as four months by maintaining a steady schedule and limiting extended stays. Even on a shorter timeline, this approach still offers boaters a front-row seat to some of North America’s most breathtaking waterways and coastal landscapes.

• The Scenic Route – Many cruisers opt to go at a more leisurely pace, completing the loop over the course of a year. Following the flow of the season, this typically involves cruising north in the spring and south in the fall, allowing Loopers to enjoy comfortable conditions and avoid harsh climates. It also provides more flexibility to explore destinations along the way.

• The Multi-Year Voyage – For those who prefer to take their time, the Great Loop can be completed over several years. This approach allows extended stays, spontaneous detours, and allows boaters to savor the journey.

What Makes a Boat Capable of the Great Loop

While there are no specific vessel requirements to complete the Great Loop, certain features can make the journey much more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Air Draft – One of the most important considerations for the Great Loop is the air draft; the vertical distance from the waterline to the highest point. The lowest unavoidable fixed bridge is currently charted at 19.6 feet. The downtown Chicago route requires clearance under approximately 17-foot bridges. As bridge clearances can vary with water levels, always verify the clearance at your location before attempting to pass underneath.

• Water Draft – Another thing to consider before taking your boat on the Great Loop is the water draft; the vertical distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the boat’s hull. A draft of roughly five feet or less is generally recommended to prevent grounding in shallow areas. Although alternate routes exist if needed.

• Fuel Range – To safely ensure access to fuel sources, all boats should have a fuel range upwards of 200 nautical miles. The America’s Great Loop Cruiser’s Association reports that the furthest stretch without a fuel stop is between Alton, Illinois and Paducah, KY–about 240 statute miles. Loopers should always reference their manuals to determine whether they will need to prepare spare fuel cans.

• Handling – Navigating the Great Loop also means maneuvering locks and marinas, sometimes with tight quarters. A boat with low-speed control, high visibility from the helm, and easy couple operation will allow you to cruise with confidence.

• Comfort – With a journey spanning thousands of miles, comfort becomes essential. Well-designed living spaces, comfortable seating and sleeping accommodations, climate protection, freshwater capacity, head and shower, a generator, and purposeful storage all play an important role in creating a home aboard.

The ideal boat for the Great Loop is one that can adapt to you. Versatility is key. Designed to provide comfort through changing conditions and destinations, the MJM 38R offers the capability to cruise with confidence while providing the comfort needed to enhance life on the water.

Learn more about the MJM 38R.

How to Prepare

While completing the Great Loop is the adventure of a lifetime, preparing for it is no small feat. The first and most important piece of the puzzle is ensuring your boat is properly registered. Since the loop crosses through Canada, boaters should carry valid identification for international travel, such as a passport or enhanced license.

When entering Canada by boat, travelers must report to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and provide required documentation such as registration, insurance, and ownership paperwork. Depending on the route and crossing location, programs such as Trusted Traveler may help streamline border procedures.

If fishing along the way, research state and Canadian provincial requirements, as licenses and regulations vary by location.

Secondly, you will want to ensure you have all the essential equipment, including but not limited to VHF radio for communication (included in the MJM 38R), paper navigation charts, lifejackets, and sufficient food and water provisions.

Once your documentation is in order and equipment prepared, the possibilities begin to unfold! From quiet harbors to lively coastal towns, you have the freedom to map out your Great Loop adventure. We also suggest taking extended cruises to your favorite destinations before departure, allowing both you and any four-legged family members to become familiar with life aboard.

Destinations along the way?

With the freedom to set your own pace, whether you take the scenic route or a multi-year voyage, there are countless exciting places to explore along the way!

Since docking and refueling are crucial parts of completing the Great Loop, familiarizing yourself with key hubs along the way can help you focus more on experience and less on logistics. Some of the must-stop marinas include:

• Mackinac Island Marina in Mackinac Island, MI

• Donovan's Shady Harbor Marina in New Baltimore, NY

• Morningstar Marina at Little Creek in Norfolk, VA

• Harbour Town Yacht Basin in Hilton Head, SC

• Oceans Edge Key West Resort & Marina in Stock Island, FL

• Hoppies Marina in Kimmswick, MO – if going counterclockwise, this is one of the last fuel spots before heading downriver.

• 31st Street Harbor in Chicago, IL

Discover additional marinas near your destinations here!

Adventure Beyond the Dock

From the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast and more, the Great Loop connects remarkable destinations, creating lasting memories every mile of the way.

Ready to plan your next MJM adventure? Check out these Great Loop routes to start charting your course today!